The summer sun is already showing its strength, and many households are struggling with unbearable temperatures. There are several ways to cool down your apartment or house, and the most effective one is air conditioning. Are you wondering how much it costs and whether it’s worth it? We’ve prepared a summary of useful information for you.
During the summer months, indoor temperatures can reach extreme levels – sometimes close to 30 °C. This is mainly caused by poor building orientation, unsuitable materials, low-quality insulation or roof ventilation, as well as improper ventilation habits. So how can you lower the temperature at home, and what is considered an ideal indoor temperature?
What is the ideal temperature in an apartment?
The ideal indoor temperature during the summer months depends on several factors, with the most important being the thermal comfort of the occupants. Each of us perceives temperature differently – some prefer cooler rooms, others enjoy warmth and walk around the house in shorts even in winter.
In general, a daytime temperature between 24 – 26 °C is considered ideal. Most people feel comfortable within this range and don’t feel either hot or cold. At night, it’s ideal if the temperature is slightly lower, preferably under 25 °C. Sufficient airflow is also important.
Although cooling down to a lower temperature might be tempting, it is not recommended for health reasons. If the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature exceeds 5 °C, moving between them can cause a thermal shock. Setting the air conditioning too low also increases electricity consumption.
How to cool down an apartment without air conditioning
There’s no doubt that air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down your interior. But what if you don’t have one? There are several other ways to reduce the temperature in your home without using air conditioning. However, their effectiveness may be lower or temporary.
Ventilation
Effective cooling can be achieved with proper ventilation. During summer, ventilate only early in the morning and late in the evening when temperatures are at their lowest. Do it briefly by opening windows wide for a few minutes, ideally creating a draft. During the day, keep windows closed or ventilate minimally to avoid letting hot air in.
Blinds and shutters
Shading the windows can work wonders in summer. No wonder that outdoor shutters are a standard in Mediterranean countries. Invest in quality blinds, curtains, or even better – outdoor blinds, which can block a large amount of sunlight. Reflective window films are also useful. Keep windows shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Fan
A proven method of cooling is also a fan, although it does not actually cool the air, but circulates it. Airflow around the body helps to cool the skin and increase sweat evaporation. Choose from a wide selection of table or standing fans from Orava to create a more comfortable indoor climate.
Limiting appliance use
Using electrical appliances such as televisions, computers, or washing machines generates a lot of heat. If you want to reduce temperature, use them minimally. Even more heat and steam is produced by cooking on the stove or in the oven. During hot days, opt for cold meals such as vegetable salads or fruit.
Wet towel trick
If you have no other option to reduce the temperature, try the wet towel or sheet trick. Soak it in cold water, wring it out, and place it in front of a fan to circulate cooler, more humid air. If you don’t have a fan, you can also wrap yourself in a damp towel for temporary relief.
Shower
If you can’t cool the space, at least cool yourself. It helps to take a lukewarm shower during the day, even multiple times. The cooling effect lasts for dozens of minutes afterward. You can also use a plant sprayer filled with cold water to refresh yourself throughout the day.
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Air conditioning – price
None of the above-mentioned methods match air conditioning, which can effectively lower the temperature in a room by up to 10 °C. Some models offer dehumidification or heating functions in addition to cooling. If you’re considering buying an air conditioner, you're probably wondering about the cost comparison.
You should expect a higher initial investment in the purchase and installation of the unit, ranging from approximately €700 to €2,000. The price depends on the type of air conditioner, number of units, space size, performance, features, and labor costs.
Here is an indicative price overview for apartments and houses:
Air conditioning for an apartment
For apartment air conditioning, the cost depends mainly on how many rooms you need to cool.
Apartment – one room
Single split unit (wall-mounted)
- Device: €500 – €900
- Installation: €300 – €500
- Total: €800 – €1,400
Console air conditioner
Device (indoor + outdoor unit):
- €700 – €1,500 (depending on performance, usually 2.5 – 4 kW)
- Installation: €300 – €600
- Total: €1,000 – €2,100
- Slightly more expensive than the split system.
Mobile air conditioner
- Device: €250 – €600
- No installation required
- Disadvantages: higher noise and lower efficiency (only for small rooms)
Apartment – multiple rooms
Multi-split system (1 outdoor + 2 indoor units)
- Device: €1,300 – €2,200
- Installation: €600 – €1,000
- Total: €1,900 – €3,200
Air conditioning for a house
In family houses, you usually have a larger space requiring more powerful units and more air conditioning systems.
Multi-split system (3 – 5 rooms)
- Device: €2,000 – €4,000
- Installation: €1,000 – €2,000
- Total: €3,000 – €6,000
Central air conditioning (ducted, VRF/VRV system)
- Suitable for new constructions or larger homes.
- Total price: €6,000 – €10,000 and more.
- The most expensive solution, but very discreet.
When choosing any air conditioning system, don’t forget about regular maintenance (at least once a year) to keep it clean and efficient.
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Conclusion
During hot months, it can be challenging to create a pleasant indoor climate and cool down the air. Fortunately, there are effective devices and methods to help. Depending on your preferences and financial situation, consider whether to invest in a wall-mounted, console, central, or portable air conditioner – or whether a powerful fan from Orava’s selection is enough for your needs.
